Preview: Northampton Town

A date with Premier League outfit Chelsea awaits the winners of tonight’s Emirates FA Cup third-round replay at stadiummk.

The Dons and Northampton Town go head-to-head in Milton Keynes this evening, just 10 days after the two teams shared a 2-2 draw in the original tie at Sixfields Stadium.

Since that game Karl Robinson’s side have won one and lost one, with the victory coming this past Saturday afternoon – a 1-0 triumph over Reading which was the Dons’ eighth home success of the campaign in all competitions.

The men from MK1 will want to add a ninth home win tonight.

THE OPPOSITION
Since the draw at Sixfields Stadium, Northampton have won both of their games, including a very impressive 2-1 victory over Sky Bet League 2 leaders Plymouth Argyle.

The Cobblers followed that success up with a win over Dagenham & Redbridge by the same scoreline, a result which keeps them level on points with Argyle at the top of the table – Northampton are in second on goal difference.

Ricky Holmes netted in Saturday’s win at the Daggers, to add to the two goals he scored in the original tie with the Dons – the midfielder has netted four in his last four games.

LAST TIME OUT
Joe Walsh’s first goal for the Dons earned them an important 1-0 success over Reading at stadiummk.

There was little to separate the two sides throughout much of the contest, although David Martin did have to make two impressive saves. That kept the scores level until Walsh secured all three points with an acrobatic volley from a corner.

The Cobblers fell behind to Christian Doidge’s 62nd minute finish but responded eight minutes later when John-Joe O’Toole headed in a Nicky Adams corner. Ricky Holmes then won the game with a fine volley.

Meanwhile, Northampton maintained the pressure on top spot in League 2 with a come-from-behind win at Dag & Red.

“There is no pressure on us and I want the players and the fans to enjoy it. The supporters are going to give us a huge boost and we just want to repay them for their loyalty.”

Chris Wilder: “(The Dons) had a great result on Saturday and whatever players they play we know that it is going to be a tough challenge for us to overcome.

“There’s going to be an intense atmosphere so we need to make sure we’re ready for it.”

Karl Robinson: “Chris Wilder has put a good side together and it’s phenomenal to see where they are having gone through what they have done. It’s a testament to him and his staff.
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